Britain’s coach resigns

Christiansen’s successor to be named soon

Great Britain coach Doug Christiansen leaves after a fourth-place finish in the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division I Group B. Photo: Laszlo Mudra

Doug Christiansen has resigned from his position as head coach of the Great Britain men's national team with immediate effect it was announced on Tuesday by Ice Hockey UK.

Christiansen led the team at the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division I Group B in Vilnius, Lithuania, following two years as an assistant coach.

Ice Hockey UK chairman, Jim Anderson, said: "I would like to thank Doug for everything he has done in his time with GB.

"Doug is a highly-respected coach and we are sorry to see him leave.

"He worked hard for the national side and he leaves behind a good GB squad, who can compete for promotion.

"The process begins now to find a new head coach and we hope to make an announcement as soon as possible."

Christiansen said: "I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to coach the national team and I am proud to have been a member of the coaching staff for the last five tournaments.

"My personal and professional commitments and ambitions are now elsewhere and I believe it is only fair for me to resign as the head coach.

After failing to earn promotion back to the Division I Group A in its first attempt, Great Britain will play in the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division I Group B in Eindhoven where they will face host Netherlands, Korea, Croatia, Lithuania and Estonia, 13-19 April.